WHY MEHATNE DOES NOT REACT WITH CHLORINE IN DARK?WHY IT REACT IN BRIGHT LIGHT?
2007-02-09 23:31:29 · 4 answers · asked by powerx 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
The energy given to chlorine by a specific wavelength of light allows for chlorine free radicals to form. This then allows for a reaction called free radical substituon to occur.
A good example of how light affects reaction kinetics is one that i had demonstrated to me.
If you have a bag with hydorgan and chlorine gas within it it will react very slowly in a normally light atmosphere. If however you were to use a camera flash then the extra energy provide by the photons from the flash allowfor the reaction to occur faster causing the bag to explode due to the very fast creation of HCl gas from the hydrogen and chlorine.
It is the same concept and the same reaction type just on a smaller moelcule.
2007-02-10 00:36:02 · answer #1 · answered by mark_gillibrand 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Photons in light, particularly UV light, split the Cl2 molecules into Cl atoms, which are very reactive species called free radicals.
These now go on to attack methane molecules.
The overall reaction is called free radical substitution, and you should look up what is meant by inititation, propagation and termination steps.
2007-02-10 07:39:48 · answer #2 · answered by Gervald F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Certian Rays from the light make them together react.
2007-02-10 09:31:45 · answer #3 · answered by Josh S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
photons energy utilisation.
2007-02-10 07:34:49 · answer #4 · answered by Kalooka 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋